This report examines child poverty in the United States, discusses its cause and persistence, and makes recommendations for solutions. Areas examined involve the historical roots of social-welfare policy in the United States; the facts behind the mythologies and misperceptions concerning child and family poverty; the children and families to be concerned about as the nation enters the 21st century; the reasons behind poverty; the risks associated with poverty; and child-development strategies, including the need for comprehensive approaches. As a nation, the United States is more responsive to crisis than to prevention. There is a need for U.S. society to recognize that all children deserve and need a healthy start in life, high quality early care and education, parental support systems, job market opportunities that allow parents to provide for their children emotionally and financially, and decent affordable housing in safe, stable environments. To achieve this, a greater emphasis must be placed on building the human infrastructure, which is the foundation of social and economic well-being for the United States as a nation. (Contains 79 references.) (GLR)